Canton’s top cop to lead regional association

Canton Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler (left) shakes hands with 35th District Judge James Plakas after taking the oath of office as president of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.(Photo: Canton Police)

Canton Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler, earning the confidence of his peers, has been chosen as president of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

“I’m very humbled. It is an honor,” Mutchler said Friday, one day after he took the oath of office administered by 35th District Judge James Plakas.

Northville Township Public Safety Director John Werth also was among those sworn in for an executive board term.

Mutchler achieved the latest honor in his 27th year with the Canton Police Department and after serving two years as public safety director. He serves a one-year term as president of the regional association.

“My goal is to focus on good police practices and education,” he said.

Chosen by his colleagues, Mutchler’s appointment comes as some police agencies across the nation have faced challenges amid a wide range of public perceptions of how they handle their jobs.

“We need to really move the dialogue forward and not hunker down and be defensive,” Mutchler said.

The Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police is a nonprofit organization made up of law enforcement leaders who have a common goal of improving services in the communities they serve.

It aims to educate its members, empower them to address local, state and federal issues and deal with trending community concerns, laws and proposed legislation.

The association’s goals include encouraging professional recruitment; selection and training in law enforcement; promoting, adopting and adhering to high professional standards; stimulating citizen interest in law enforcement through public relations; and aiding in adoption of statutes to support good police practices, along with the public’s safety and welfare.